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Utter, J., Scragg, R., Schaaf, D. and Mhurchu, C.N. (2008) Relationships between Frequency of Family Meals, BMI and Nutritional Aspects of the Home Food Environment among New Zealand Adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 5, 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-5-50

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: The Saudi population has experienced significant transformations
in their lifestyle which could be attributed to several factors. Aims: This work sought to determine effects of food habits
and lifestyle on prevalence of overweight
(OW)/obesity (OB) among schoolchildren in Taif City, KSA. Materials and Methods: A
cross-sectional study was carried out using well-designed questionnaire. Pretested
questionnaire was randomly distributed among schoolchildren
in Taif city. Body mass index and waist circumference were used as tools
for assessing nutritional status of schoolchildren. Results: A total of 2027 students filled the questionnaire with
a mean age of 15.83 ± 2.18 years. The prevalence
of OW and OB was 14.6% and 12.9%, respectively, while the combined one was
27.5%. The combined prevalence of OW and OB was
significantly higher among boys than girls (31.9 vs. 21.9). Schoolchildren from high income families had high rate
of OW and OB. Smoking, stress, TV viewing, daylight and night sleep had no
effects on BMI, while only smoking of a family member and stress had considerable
relationship with W_C. Unfortunately, 52.2% of
students admitted that they were physically
inactive but this effect was insignificant for both indicators. Students skipped
breakfasts constitute 18.8% of subjects included but link with BMI and W_C was statistically insignificant. Regular
soft or diet drinks had significant effects
on BMI. Results showed considerable link between consumption of fruits/vegetables,
grains and W_C. Conclusions: The
prevalence of combined OW/OB among schoolchildren was 27.5%. Family income, participant’s
gender, intake of regular soft or diet drinks had significant effects on BMI. While, stress, smoking of a family member, and
uptake of fruits and vegetables showed considerable relationship with W_C.